Connecting Children to Nature and Creativity

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Monthly Archives: September 2013

Nature Nuts is a group of moms that are committed to connecting their children in the natural world around them. The model is simple and fun. The kids look forward to their time with friends and they learn about something new each week. If your area doesn’t have access to a nature based preschool or organization, this is a wonderful solution. This particular group hopes to continue the gatherings for as long as possible. Perhaps into high school and beyond. The inspiration came from a mom and her experience with her family. She still participates in week long vacations with her family centered all around nature. I am very excited to get our own little version for our young children. Here is a taste of our activity:

We all have small children and are teaching two and three year old children. We know that routine can make all the difference. We decided to keep the format the same while they are young and perhaps as they grown older we will modify it with bigger adventures. Each mom takes a turn planning and leading the activity. The basic format is:

Circle (song and book) We start with the same song and circle time to greet the children. Occasionally we add new songs and time for dramatic play.

Activity: We investigate and observe with hands on exploration of the topic.

Art: We come together again to do some art related to the topic. This is a great way to talk about the topic and gather their own thoughts. We collect the art in our weekly journal. It is fun to watch the kids open it every week and almost read it like a book to revisit our past experiences.

It has been a fun start. Occasionally, I will post more of our adventures to share ideas. Our topics so far have been: seaweed, bugs, flowers, berries, apples, seashells. I am excited to see what winter will bring.

I am thrilled to work with children to expand their experience with two things I am passionate about: nature and creativity. Every session we explore together through play, investigations, art, and stories. The place based model helps children feel a sense of place by connecting and learning about the world around them. That can mean the natural world, their local town, the local bird population, or anything around them. The plan with the preschool sessions is to gather once a season to explore a topic within our “place.” I also enjoy asking the children to interpret what they learn through art, play, building, and creativity (inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy.) I have so much fun that I want to keep the experience; hence, the blog! The blog includes post from the place based sessions or other ways and ideas to share an appreciation for nature and creativity. Enjoy!

The class is a family experience for 4-6 year old children. We meet every Thursday from 9:30-10:30 for a 4 to 6 week session. Our meeting location is at the Merrymeeting Arts Center or families will be notified of a local natural area (TBD.) Enrollment for each session is appreciated by the week prior to the start of class. Families can register for one session or all three sessions with the instructor (Corie Scribner, coriemelvin@yahoo.com) or by contacting Merrymeeting Arts Center www.merrymeetingartscenter.org

Forms and payment are due the first session of class.

The topic for each session is always evolving in the spirit of Reggio Emilia; however, the general plan is listed below.

Fall Session: Rocks, Soil, and Sand October 10- November 14 (no class on October 31)

See the posting from this session!

Winter Session: Night and sky

January 9 – February 13 (no class January 16)

5 sessions for $50

Spring Session: Topic is TBD; however, my latest inspiration may come from local farms.